The Claddagh Ring: What Does it Mean?
There is an old Irish saying that goes “with these hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love.” What is surprising is that there exists an actual token that represents this gesture: the Claddagh ring.
With the holiday season coming up, the Claddagh ring is the perfect present to give to that special someone.
Interested? Read ahead to learn more about this special symbol.
What is a Claddagh Ring?
The Claddagh Ring is a melding of Irish tradition famously used as a token of Love and Friendship. The ring carries a distinct design, composed of two hands coupling a crown and a heart. Traditionally speaking, the Heart symbolizes Love, the Crown represents Loyalty, and the Hands signify Friendship.
This versatile ring can be offered for various occasions. The Claddagh ring is popularly gifted for romantic celebrations, such as engagements, weddings, or anniversaries. However, the ring is also offered as an emblem of friendship, such as during holidays, birthdays, or other spontaneous occasions. Because of its Gaelic origins, the Claddagh ring is also worn as an icon of Irish heritage.
The Ring’s Origins
According to historians, it is commonly agreed that the ring originates from the small fishing village of Claddagh in Galway. The term Claddagh comes from the Gaelic word Cladach, meaning “rocky beach or shore.” Named after the small village, even the ring’s name takes pride in its Western-Irish origins.
While many debate the origins of the ring, there exist two popular legends that are widely accepted by the public. The most popular version concerns Richard Joyce, whose initials can be seen in the first ever-created Callagh ring. As the story goes, Joyce was a sailor from the late 17th century who was captured by Algerian pirates and sold into slavery. Afterward, Joyce was purchased by a goldsmith and trained in metallurgy. During this period, King William III sent an ambassador to Algeria. The ambassador demanded the release of British slaves from the Algerian state, which included Richard Joyce. After fourteen years, Joyce was able to return to his home and marry the woman he loved with the ring he fashioned during his enslavement abroad. Thereafter, he became a successful goldsmith, who would fashion more Claddagh rings with the initials “R.I.” on them.
The other main tale associates the Claddagh ring to Margaret Joyce, another member of the Joyce clan. In the 16th century, Margaret married a wealthy Spaniard by the name of Domingo de Rona, who left her his fortune after his unfortunate death. Margaret used her inheritance to build a host of bridges in the Connacht province. According to legend, an eagle dropped the ring on Margaret’s lap as a reward for her good actions.
How to Wear a Claddagh Ring
Claddagh rings have been traditionally used to indicate a person’s relationship status. There are four special ways to wear this particular ring.
- If a person wears the ring on their right hand, with the heart pointing towards the wearer, it means the person is in a relationship.
- If a person wears the ring on their right hand, with the heart pointing away from the wearer, it means the person is not in a relationship and is instead open to love.
- If a person wears the ring on their left hand, with the heart pointing away from the wearer, it means the person is engaged or in a lifelong partnership.
- If a person wears the ring on their left hand, with the heart pointing towards the wearer, it means the person is married!
In summary, people who are in long-lasting relationships wear their rings on their left hand, while people who are in a new relationship or are open to love wear them on their right hand.
To view our beautiful range of Claddagh rings, click here.